The Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York (“WBASNY”) commends Governor Andrew M. Cuomo for his proposal to guarantee a woman’s right to choose in New York by codifying the protections established by Roe v. Wade into the state constitution. The move would ensure that these protections remain in place in New York, in the event that the decision is overturned or altered by a new U.S. Supreme Court.

Governor Cuomo made the announcement Monday in Albany, New York, at the “I Stand with Planned Parenthood” rally and Family Planning Advocates’ Day of Action. A landmark 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade, held that the United States Constitution protects the right of a woman to choose to terminate her pregnancy prior to fetal viability or throughout pregnancy when it is necessary to preserve her life or health. In the 40 years since the decision, its core ruling has been continually upheld and the right to an abortion has been affirmed as constitutionally protected.

WBASNY President Jacqueline Flug stated: “WBASNY applauds this long-awaited action to protect women’s liberty and health, and urges our members to contact their representatives in the Senate and Assembly to support this amendment. Our association will dedicate itself to the amendment’s passage, which will take several years to secure. In the meantime, we urge the Senate and the Assembly to pass the Reproductive Health Act, which will ensure women’s rights immediately upon passage and signing.”